Credit card numbers stolen from Web site

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Thousands of credit card numbers were stolen from a state government Web site that allows residents to register their cars and buy state permits, authorities said Friday.
The private company that runs www.ri.gov said that 4,118 credit card numbers had probably been taken, a state official said. All online transactions were suspended Friday until any possible security problems could be fixed.
"We just can't risk it," said Department of Administration Director Beverly Najarian.
The company, New England Interactive, originally told state officials late last month that eight credit card numbers were stolen during a security breach, but said Thursday that thousands had probably been taken, Najarian said.
The state didn't notify consumers in December about the breach, Najarian said, because it appeared limited and company officials promised security had been tightened.
State officials have decided to mail notices to the affected credit card holders, she said. So far, no fraudulent charges have been reported.
It would be difficult to use the stolen information for fraudulent purchases because the Web site only records partial credit card numbers, company spokeswoman Renee Loring said.
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